Hannabal

I have to join the consensus here. I don't mind Wilson, but that article shed no new light on what's really a nothing story. It's as if a slightly clumsy interview that Schwab gave to The Australian has given her the ammunition to write a comment piece. Everyone knows about the perceived "Old Boy's Club" - nothing new there, everyone knows that the club was previously very factionalised - nothing new there, I shared recently that Scully wasn't rapt in the China trip due to excessive drinking - nothing new there to many in the know (despite chirlish snide remarks to my comments by a couple), Schwab is a hands on CEO in footy matters - nothing new there, the Board is highly regarded - nothing new there, Connolly is a different type of Football Manager - nothing new there, and Lyon won't coach at AFL level - nothing new there. I'm not an overly cynical person and prefer to take things on face value, and on face value this article is simply stirring [censored] for the sake of it.

I stand to be corrected, but I don't believe that Connolly has much if anything to do with the playing side of things. I don't think he even sits in the coach's box on gameday.

It would be far from being that simple, although that is a very simple way of looking at it.

David Schwarz was asked last week on SEN by Mark Robinson "have you heard of any internal rumblings at the club about the coach ?", the answer was "yes". And as we know Schwarz has been back closer to the bosom of the club in recent times. There's a little too much smoke for me not to think that there's at least a grass fire in the midst. But at the end of the day it's a footy club. You'd expect that there's usually some rumblings from time to time. I see no real story in that. Who knows if it will cascade.

Perhaps what's of more interest is their use of Watts as a sub. This morning on SEN Malthouse stated that they would never make a player a sub if that player was down on form, or confidence. His premise was that that would only compound the problem. Naturally he also stated that he wasn't privy to Melbourne's MC discussions. I wonder if the MC may have reconsidered their use of Watts last Sunday.

They don't structure up properly for 18 man zones or full presses, so it's pretty obvious it's not part of the gameplan. Strategy can be simple, it doesn't need to be overly complicated. Everyone can see what Collingwood does and he admits that it's a very simple strategy, but implementing it well is another thing. And yes, trying to kick over a zone will be effective on occasions.

Yes, implementation and counter defence.

No, it's not. They've been caught off guard and should have put far more effort into defensive strategy and how team's would press this year. Is that good enough for you ?

I reckon that Bailey has been caught asleep at the wheel over Summer. Plenty of teams have significantly changed the way they played from last year. Defensive pressure in the forward 50 has never been greater with teams using a full press to lock the ball in. From the first game I watched this year the change from last year was stark. Aesthetically I hate the way the game is now played, but that's for another thread. I accept that we don't have to follow what every other team is doing, but our defensive efforts have been poor, we struggle to get the ball out of our defensive 50, our kick ins are poor, we turn the ball over through the middle because we rely on a low percentage precise kicking game, and Viney admits that the club hasn't bogged down the playing group with tactics because we're not in premiership mode. We'll have some good games like last year, but flags are won by well drilled defensive sides and presently our game plan won't stand up in finals - imo. We're not like a well oiled machine where every player knows the role perfectly and executes it perfectly. We try and captilize on opposition turnovers through run and spread. It looks great when it works, but we need to exert far more pressure on the opposition from our forward half. The opposition is able to far too easily run the ball out due to our lack of a forward press. Forget about last year and start analysing this year.

Are you one of those "just kick it !!" supporters at the footy ? You seem to think that it's as simple as 'see ball, get ball, kick ball forward'. The game is far more sophisticated now. And it's where we're being left behind.

You clearly don't watch footy with any acumen, or feeling for the game.

I don't know what you're waiting for and the odd good win won't change the facts. Our style of footy is a mile behind most other clubs, which is why inferior teams such as Brisbane almost beat us.

You wouldn't know.

I'm not sure why there's such angst towards the Freakster. You may not agree with his views, but it's quite reasonable to discuss drafts even if it's too early to draw definitive conclusions. Morton - I seem to be one of the few (along with Ron) that reckons this guy will be pivotal to any future success. As he gets stronger he is going to be a headache for opposition coaches. His marking has improved, he has elite endurance and he kicks goals. Will only get better. Grimes - good pick. Needs to improve his decision making, but he still hasn't played many games. Maric - history will show that he's a good VFL player. Watts - was the right pick at the time. Will become a very good player, but not a superstar. Blease - has had wretched luck. Wait and see. Strauss - poor pick. Went earlier than expected and just doesn't have the competitiveness required at AFL level. Bennell - probably a reasonable pick, but I prefer Walters. I'm not a Bennell fan. Jetta - like his efforts and tenacity, but I don't see a great future at AFL level. Jurrah - great talent. Scully - love him and am confident he'll stay. Trengove - my favourite Demon. Will become the best marking midfielder in the game. Not explosive like Scully, or Swallow, but just as valuable. Gysberts - love the guy too. As Snoopster said, there's nothing wrong with his disposal because he plays the percentages. Tapscott - wood. Cook - I hope he's good because I love Darling. 2008 draft - disappointing because the 3 top 20 picks have barely fired a shot. But the fat lady hasn't started singing. 2007 draft - I like. 2009 draft - I love.

Don't posters understand that it's difficult to get much of a read when you play a side like the Suns ? Just be glad of the 4 points and the size of the victory and move on. It's silly to over-analyse such a game.

It's amazing how a FLAG will temper emotions. I can't complain about a 15 goal win. I'm happy to take the 4 points, have some of our youth gain confidence and move on.

I accept that we won't agree on all players, but I can't pass this one up. You're saying that Crawford was "soft" ? And yes, as far as teams go there will always be those that have a less physical playing style. There are degrees in everything.

One was his Sister being ill and the other was his lack of enjoyment in what was largely a [censored] up. I know what I know.

As stated by RI, Dunn is arguably the worst. He has a chronic case of hearing footsteps and has developed an abilty to look like he's "going" when he has no intention. He's terribly soft.

I have it on good authority that Scully has been concerned with the drinking culture at Melb, which is one of the reasons he left the China trip early. I suspect that this culture prevails at many clubs, but I hear enough about Melbourne and players such as Watts, to wonder if anyone senior at Melbourne is getting their message through.

Our softies: Bennell, Watts, Dunn, Davey, Jurrah, Morton - that's a quarter of the side (won't mention seconds players). It's too many and (imo) more than most other clubs and certainly the quality ones. And I wouldn't list that group as being "hard" in their running. Morton has elite endurance, which is more God-given than a startling manifestation of his being. As far as being "insulting" ? I'd be delighted if I didn't need to make the observation. Hopefully in time I'll spend my life writing about the courage of Gysberts, Scully, Tapscott, and Trengove, because they are young players that have a crack and already make me proud. In 3-4 games of footy I know what we get with Tapscott and Gysberts and I love them both. As far as "diverse" forwardlines, I agree and have written too many words on the subject to expand again. Diversity is what your mates theory lacked.

Anyone that thinks the club wouldn't be concerned by the 2008 "Superdraft" is in denial. Having 3 picks in the top 20 in a renowned draft is a significant advantage and for varying reasons those chosen have barely fired a shot. It's too early to make declarations, but 2012 (their 4th) is a huge year for all concerned.

Now you know that you need to expand if you're prepared to make comments like that. You're disparaging both in one sentence. Scully may have a mentor, but I reckon he's also got a terrific head on young shoulders. He'll do what's best for himself and the club. That said, I'm not certain what you mean.

I disagree. He plays exactly like you'd want your CHF to play. He's no flanker. You're too consumed by 1 or 2 cms in height.

Shouldn't you be sticking to those "just as effective" pygmy forward lines you promote ? LOL